JACKSONVILLE – Colton Kilgore admits he likes having a distraction while he battles a life-threatening medical condition. His dream came true on Friday, Aug. 8, when he was one of 12 local children selected for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Charities Dream Team.

“It helps me take my mind off the settings that stress me a lot,” the Wilkinson Elementary student said from the WJCT soundstage adjacent to EverBank Stadium. “Sometimes I go into rage mode when there's too much stuff going on.”

Kilgore was one of five children from Clay County on the Dream Team. Others were Gabriella “Brie” DeGeorge, Zurie Henderson, Jaxson Gandianco and Landon Cartwright.

All 12 signed their “contracts” to become Dream Teamers during a special event involving more than 50 Gator Bowl ambassadors.

As Dreamers, they will join a Gator Bowl ambassador to scout a University of Florida football game. They will also participate in monthly Gator Bowl Sports member events alongside local corporate executives and distribute their rookie player cards throughout the Jacksonville and Clay County areas, leading up to the Dec. 27 game.

On gameday, they will be given their green Gator Bowl blazers and become honorary Gator Bowl ambassadors. They will be on the sidelines when teams representing the Atlantic Coast and Southeastern conferences kick off against each other in the 81st installment of the classic.

“I’ve been to football games, but I’ve never been on the field,” Gandianco said. “I think that’s going to be pretty cool.”

“It feels really special,” DeGeorge said. “It’s going to be a good experience.”